Graduation

Preparing for Graduation

To graduate, you must complete all of the following requirements (see your MyMAP Progress Report):

• University requirements
  
  • General Education 
  • Religious Education
  • 30 residency credit hours at BYU
  • 120 total credit hours
  • A minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA and 2.0 BYU GPA
• All requirements for your major and any minors or secondary majors

Questions? Contact Kennedy Advisement.

Applying for Graduation

To graduate you must submit a graduation application. A current ecclesiastical endorsement is required before you can apply.

For graduation deadlines, ceremonies, and important dates, visit BYU Graduation Dates and Deadlines.

Application Deadlines

• April: November 15
• June: February 15
• August: February 15
• December: September 15

Apply for graduation in the semester or term when you will complete your coursework.

Students graduating in previous Fall, current Winter, or upcoming Spring and Summer terms may participate in the university commencement ceremonies held each April.

Graduation Clearance

After submitting your graduation application, schedule a graduation clearance meeting with an academic advisor. Your advisor will review your progress report and verify that all graduation requirements will be completed.

Schedule your graduation clearance before the add/drop deadline of your final semester.

Participating in Graduation Ceremonies

Participating in a graduation ceremony does not mean you have graduated. Your degree is officially awarded once all requirements are complete and your degree has been posted.

Students who participate in convocation receive an empty diploma cover. Diplomas are mailed approximately 6-8 weeks after graduation once degrees have been officially awarded.

University Commencement is held each April and is open to all graduates. During commencement, graduates process into the Marriott Center in cap and gown and hear from a keynote speaker. Student names are not read at commencement. Guest tickets may be required.

Learn more about commencement here.

Learn how to obtain your cap and gown here.

Kennedy Center Convocation 

The Kennedy Center holds Convocation each April. During convocation, graduates' names are read and students receive an empty diploma cover. Diplomas are mailed approximately 6–8 weeks after graduation once degrees have been officially awarded.

To participate in Kennedy Center Convocation, you must complete an RSVP. Students who have applied for graduation will receive RSVP information by email during Winter Semester. If you have applied for graduation but did not receive an RSVP email, contact Kennedy Advisement.

Please ensure your BYU email address is current, as important graduation information will be sent throughout the year.

If your spouse or an immediate family member is also graduating and would like to participate in the ceremony with you, indicate this on your RSVP.

Students who wish to participate in another college's convocation ceremony should contact that college's advisement center.

Changing Your Graduation Date

If you need to change your graduation date after completing your graduation clearance meeting, schedule an appointment with an academic advisor.

Graduation FAQs

Can I participate in a ceremony if I'm not graduating at that time?

Yes. Participating in a ceremony does not mean you have graduated. Because BYU holds commencement and convocation ceremonies once each year in April, students who graduated in the previous December (Fall), are graduating in April (Winter), or will graduate in June (Spring) or August (Summer) may participate in April's ceremonies.

Questions about when to participate? Contact Kennedy Advisement.

Can my spouse or sibling participate with me in the ceremony?

Yes, if they are an immediate family member who is also graduating. Be sure to include their information on your RSVP.

Can I change my graduation date?

Maybe. Schedule an appointment with an academic advisor to discuss your options.

I missed the graduation application deadline. Can I still apply?

Usually, yes. Complete the graduation application for the next available graduation date, then meet with an academic advisor to discuss whether your graduation date can be adjusted.

Keep in mind that you must have a current ecclesiastical endorsement valid for your graduation date.

What information appears on my diploma?

• University name and location
• Student name
• Degree (BA, BS, MA, MBA, PhD, etc.)
• Primary major
• Degree award date
• University seal
• Required signatures
• University Honors or Latin Honors, if applicable

Will my double major or minor appear on my diploma?

No. Only your primary major appears on your diploma. Additional majors and minors appear on your official transcript.

Answers to many other commonly asked questions may be found at the general Graduation FAQs page provided by the university.